November 17, 2010

We all know that some foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate are bad for our dogs and cats but what foods are good for them as treats or as part of their daily diet? It can be hard to know since there are often different opinions of this and we’ve seen our own dogs sometimes dig through the trash and eat something that could have made them extremely ill but they end up being just fine.

There are several types of vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairy products that can be given to our pets in moderation that are safe for them, can help boost their intake of vitamins and minerals, and keep them healthy. Just remember, a diet of only these items can mean they lack other nutrients like taurine. It’s always best to talk to your vet about what ways to create a balanced diet.

1: Vegetables: cooked potatoes, carrots, peas, yams, green beans, and lettuce are good for your dogs. Shredded carrots can be added to your dog’s regular diet and baby carrots are good for their teeth. You don’t have to worry about your pet getting chubby if you add vegetables to their diet since they are low fat and act more like a “filler.” If your pet is on a diet to shed a few pounds, upping the veggie intake might help them.

2: Fruits: Apples (but not the seeds), bananas, and some melons are good in small quantities for dogs. Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon are ok for your dog to eat but talk to a vet if you’re wondering about the more exotic types. Cats are not made to digest melons.

3: Yogurt: plain yogurt is ok to give to dogs and cats in small quantities. You can mix in some safe fruits for your dog. Keep in mind that animals may have a lower tolerance for dairy products than we do so keep the portions small.

4: Peanut Butter: Dogs love peanut butter. Well, most dogs love peanut butter. It’s great for hiding pills in, great as a treat to stuff into a Kong, and many dogs don’t seem to have a peanut allergies. If you’re looking for a treat that has protein and keeps your pooch occupied, this might be it.

5: Cheese: Cats and dogs like dairy products but you have to make sure they don’t get too much of it. Try low-fat or reduced fat cheese and milk when giving them some as a treat. You don’t need your pet getting sick from too much milk.

6: Raw or cooked meats: Beef, Chicken, or Turkey are good for your dog and cat. No bones please, as you don’t want them to accidentally crack a tooth or get a splintered bone shard stuck in their throat. Deli cuts are also ok for your pet but avoid ones that have flavoring and preservatives added. Cracked peppercorn turkey or ham with olives from the deli can be bad for your pet. If you cooked the food avoid giving your pet any if the cooking oils and spices are toxic to them.

7: Boneless raw or cooked fish: The fish oil is good for their coat and skin but they don’t need the fish skin. It won’t harm them but might not taste as good as the rest of the fish!

8: Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are safe for your dog. They have antioxidants and fight free radicals. Lots of dogs enjoy them as frozen treats and may play with them before actually eating them so be prepared for squished berries or berry juice on the floor. Cats won’t enjoy them but may play with them.

Every pet is different, and your vet can help you figure out what human foods are best for your furry friend. Food allergies, sensitive stomach issues, and weight issues all come into play when trying to figure out what foods to give your pet. Also keep in mind, some new foods can cause digestive upset so introduce a new treat or meal supplement slowly. Keep in mind also that cats are not made like dogs and won’t tolerate many of the same foods even if they want to eat them. Cats have a different digestive system than people and dogs so take more care when giving your cat human food treats.

Comments

One Response to “Good Food for Pets”

Definitely try the bananas! Our Border Collie has a lot of allergies and sensitivities and is fairly limited to what we give her. But she would do almost ANYTHING for a piece of banana! They travel well too! We’ve put them (plain) in the food dehydrator too.

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